As much as I love Hyatt and plan on staying Global tier. I've got the same experience as SPG gold (got free from something) upgraded to a HUGE suite in Sheraton Kauai on a reward stay, I then switched to GH kauai and got a regular room.
Originally Posted by
zombietooth
As a Marriott Gold per the United status match, I got upgraded to a huge presidential suite at the Renaissance in BKK a couple of months ago-something that has never happened in my 15+ years as a Hyatt Diamond. In addition, every Marriott I have stayed at since the UA match that has had a club, has upgraded me to an actual premium "Club" room.
By contrast, my last stay at a Hyatt in Asia, I got a normal room with club access.
You are spot-on in asserting that Marriott Gold is the "Sweet Spot" for hotel programs that give actual very valuable benefits with reasonable qualification standards.